Detroit Lions injury updates: Brian Branch returns, rookie exits Day 8 practice

At Thursday’s Detroit Lions training camp practice, Lions players continue to battle through bumps and bruises, but some are making progress to return to the field. One player who was able to return was starting defensive back Brian Branch, who practiced in full for the first time this offseason.

Branch has slowly been acclimating himself back from an injury that required offseason surgery. After spending the last seven practices building on walkthrough participation, into individual drills, on Day 8, he finally took the field for a full practice.

“I feel good,” Branch told Pride of Detroit after practice. “I’m so hungry right now, to be honest. It feels really good getting back with these guys, back in the swing of things, and I’m just trying to work on my craft.”

Branch, who played the majority of his rookie snaps at nickel back, has made a shift in responsibilities this offseason, most notably a move safety, which should result in him being on the field more.

“I need to do what I can to get on the field,” Branch said of the position shift. “Right now, safety is where they want to put me at, so shoot, I’m gonna go get it.”

Branch said he still plans on playing nickel—something coaches have also said publicly—because of his success there last season. But he also noted that at safety he has a lot more freedom to move around and make plays on the ball. He also acknowledged that being at safety, he understands that he is now the next line of defense but he welcomes the challenge.

Unfortunately, the team also saw rookie running back Sione Vaki exit early due to a shoulder injury and not return.

Vaki exited about halfway through practice after a collision during a one-vs-one drill. He spoke with trainers for a bit and was able to leave under his own power. Lions’ officials confirmed that he was being evaluated for a shoulder injury. We should get an update from coach Dan Campbell on Friday.

Malcolm Rodriguez also required attention from the training staff after an injury, but because he was able to return to practice, there is no official update from the Lions. Rodriguez was able to finish the day, but after practice, he turned down requests from the media for an update.

In addition to the on-field injuries, the following players were absent from practice on Thursday:

• DJ Reader (PUP)
• Christian Mahogany (NFI)
• Zonovan Knight
• Kayode Awosika (NEW ADDITION)